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| Hwang Kyo-ahn, chairman of the main opposition Liberty Korea Party, speaks to reporters at the National Assembly in Seoul, Monday. The party's floor leader Na Kyung-won is next to him. Yonhap |
By Jung Min-ho
The leader of the main opposition party has joined the governing party in condemning Japan for its "unacceptable economic revenge," demanding Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stop it.
Hwang Kyo-ahn, chairman of the main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP) ― a party that generally views Japan more favorably than the ruling Democratic Party of Korea ― criticized the Japanese government Monday for its decision to restrict the export of some key tech materials to Korea.
"I want to make it clear that Japan's economic revenge is unacceptable and wrong," Hwang told reporters at the National Assembly in Seoul. "We condemn Japan for it and demand (Abe) stop it immediately."
The statement comes about two weeks after the Japanese government said it would restrict the export of some critical tech materials, including fluorinated polyimides ― which are used in organic light-emitting diode screens for TVs and smartphones ― in apparent revenge for last year's Supreme Court rulings against Japanese firms over wartime forced labor.
While the Korean government and leaders of left-wing parties have criticized Japan's export bans, the LKP has so far maintained a cautious approach.
Hwang said his party will form a special committee to resolve the issue, urging other parties to join.
He also suggested President Moon Jae-in send a top envoy to Japan.
"Restoring economic cooperation between Korea, Japan and the United States is the key," Hwang said. "Korea should put its interest first and make sure that it develops healthy relations with Japan … Our party is willing to help Cheong Wa Dae if it is willing to resolve the issue."
